Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship Related

Review Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship related questions and content

A patient who is hospitalized with depression tells the nurse, 'I don?t want to take the medication because I?m afraid I?ll become suicidal.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

  • A. Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?
  • B. It?s important that you take this medication.
  • C. I agree with you. I wouldn?t want to take this medication either.
  • D. Another patient took that medication, and he really felt better.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient?s fear of becoming suicidal warrants immediate assessment for suicidal ideation. Asking 'Have you ever thought about hurting yourself?' directly addresses this concern and ensures patient safety. Other responses dismiss the fear, agree inappropriately, or provide irrelevant anecdotes, none of which address the patient?s concern effectively.